Islands of Hawaii
November 2023
Aloha and get ready for our family vacation to the wonderfull islands of Hawaii!
Hawaii always tops travelers’ lists, and the islands have become almost mythical in many would-be visitors’ eyes. But after deciding to visit America’s 50th state (which is always a good idea), where to go in Hawaii is the second most crucial step. There are a total of eight main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago in the North Pacific, though Niihau and Kahoolawe are forbidden to visitors. Of the remaining six—Hawaii Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu—each island is unique in its ambiance and attractions, and all are perfect winter travel destinations. Each island in the Hawaiian chain has a unique personality and offers visitors different types of experiences. Some family membes will be visiting several of the islands though the primary family vacation will be on the Big Island.
The islands we will be visiting are: Kaui, The Big Island, and possible Maui.
Kaui: The oldest, northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai is known as the “Garden Island” and is a perfect selection for nature-lovers, and travelers who want to go into the wild while on their vacation to the tropics. Though the northern part of the island of Kauai—and Hanalei Bay, specifically—are eternally popular, the southern coast of Kauai is just as magnificent (we recommend catching the sunrise at Poipu Beach to appreciate the gorgeous landscape fully). Stay at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue or the Grand Hyatt Kauai in Koloa and prepare to luxuriate in spectacular views of the magnificent Hawaiian coastline. Visit the beautiful (and immensely Instagram-ready) Tunnel of Trees and the dirt roads of Waimea Canyon as you cruise around the lush island, upon which 97% of the land is preserved.
Adventure travelers should sign up for a Kauai ATV Tour to off-road your way back to a land before time (or a landscape reminiscent of Jurassic Park, to be exact). Another option for adrenaline-seekers is a zip-lining course high above the treetops with Skyline Eco-Adventures—what better way to appreciate the Garden Isle than from above, after all? Finally, every visitor must embark on a catamaran cruise with Kauai Sea Tours to the Na Pali Coast; keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales on your voyage.
The Point at Poipu, a Hilton Vacation Club, is a dream vacation destination on the southernmost tip of Kauai. Spend your days snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Poipu Beach, exploring rainforest hiking trails or simply experiencing the majestic beauty of Wailua Falls, the Na Pali Coast or Waimea Canyon. After a day of exploring, return to your spacious accommodations featuring a fully equipped kitchen, visit the on-site sauna or relax poolside and soak in the warmth of the Hawaiian sun.
Each 2-Bedroom Suite includes a primary bedroom with a king-size bed and a bathroom with a separate shower and soaker tub. The Guest bedroom features a queen-size bed or two twin beds and a bathroom with a shower. The living room is furnished with a queen sleeper sofa, TV with DVD player and a separate dining nook. The fully equipped kitchen features a refrigerator, stovetop, oven, coffee maker, dishwasher and cooking utensils for in-room dining. Each 2-Bedroom Suite features a balcony with garden or ocean views. A washer and dryer are available in the Suite for your convenience.
Begin the day relaxing on the white sand beach or enjoying water sports like surfing, swimming or snorkeling. Unwind in the outdoor swimming pool or hot tub, work up a sweat at the fitness center or decompress in the sauna. Take a relaxing stroll through the gardens, or gather the family together for a barbecue dinner and enjoy a Hawaiian sunset. However you choose to pass the time, you’ll find relaxing and action-packed amenities at every turn.
Sleeping Accommodations
Bedroom 1
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Size Bed or
2 Twin Size Beds
Bathroom Facilities
Bedroom 1
Tub
Shower
Living Area
Shower
Amenities
Happy hour
Snorkeling
Diving
Internet
Parking
Concierge
ATM
Baggage storage
Tour desk
Dry cleaning
Fax/Photocopying
Business center
24-hour security
Safe
Pools
Beach chairs/loungers
Beach umbrellas
Fitness center
On--site restaurant
Hawaii: The Island of Hawaii is a must-visit for travelers yearning to reconnect with nature and experience what is known as the ‘old Hawaii’—as in, before the islands became as popular as they are today with tourists. The largest of the Hawaiian islands, the Island of Hawaii is nearly double the size of all the other islands combined, hence its nickname as the “Big Island.” Hawaii Island is also known as the Island of Discovery, and there’s much to explore in the island’s two distinct regions: the Kona and the Hilo areas of the island. Kona, located on the western side of the island, is sunnier and the volcanic landscape is home to coffee farms and breathtaking views of the Pacific—we recommend staying at Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast, to maximize that tropical bliss. Explore the black sand coast of Punaluu Beach and visit the five-acre farm of Kona Natural Soap, located just south of Kona in the town of Holualoa, for a tour (and chocolate-tasting) with the charismatic owner, Greg Colden. King Kamehameha spent his last years in Kona, and you can get in touch with royalty yourself with a Hāloa ʻĀina Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood Tour up in the highlands.
It rains more in Hilo, and travelers are advised to explore the waterfalls and tropical flowers that flourish on this lush part of the island. Check-in at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and explore the Haleolono fish pond before embarking on an ATV tour with the charismatic guides at The Umuama Experience. Afterward, head to the Temple Bar, the recently-opened craft beer & wine bar restaurant that’s a hit with visitors and locals alike. Additionally, the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, located 45 minutes to the south of Hilo, is a must-do for any traveler. Meanwhile, the Pōhāhā I Ka Lani Tour at Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is another can’t-miss activity (thanks to your fantastic hosts who share details about the island’s history and culture while you ascend to the overlook.) Finally, no matter where you are staying on the island, check out the schedule for Chef Brian Hirata’s pop-up dining experience, Na’au Hilo. The aim of the culinary project is “Ka ho’oilina malamalama,” which means enlightened through heritage. One meal will leave you with even more appreciative of the natural beauty of Hawaii Island—and how delicious its fruits can be.
The Bay Club will one of two adjacent resorts we will have on this Island. They are next to each other and they look like the same resort.
The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort is a spectacular hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii and is designed to be an ideal Hawaiian haven in the heart of Waikoloa. Superbly situated adjacent to championship golf courses, the premier location of the Bay Club resort provides an unsurpassed vacation setting. Hawaii visitors staying at the Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort will enjoy spacious one- and two-bedroom suites which incorporate a casually elegant tropical style and feature a superb variety of upscale amenities and furnishings. The suites offer all of the convenience of home including separate living and dining areas, a fully-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer and private lanai.
Sleeping Accommodations
Bedroom 1
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Size Bed or
2 Twin Size Beds
Bathroom Facilities
Bedroom 1
Tub
Shower
Living Area
Shower
Amenities
Happy hour
Internet
Free Parking
Concierge
BBQ Area
Child care
Fitness center
Dry cleaning
Free shuttle
Game room
Golf course
Outdoor pool
Poolside bar
Playground area
Restaurant
Shared laundry facilities
Tennis
Kohala Suites, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club is a Big Island timeshare resort on the Kohala Coast with easy access to Hawaii’s best attractions and the perfect positioning to get away from it all. Set within Waikoloa Beach Resort, this resort is all about comfort, with spacious 2-bedroom suites featuring private lanais, full kitchens with grocery delivery service, Jacuzzi tubs, and distinctly Hawaiian décor for an authentic island experience. Wake up to garden, golf course or mountain views, and an array of amenities designed to help you relax in paradise.
Cool off in a private cabana by the pool, play a round on the golf course, and grab a Mai Tai at the bar. Kohala Suites has all the makings for a peaceful Hawaiian vacation – and then some.
Sleeping Accommodations
Bedroom 1
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Size Bed or
2 Twin Size Beds
Bathroom Facilities
Bedroom 1
Tub
Shower
Living Area
Shower
Amenities
Happy hour
Internet
Free Parking
Concierge
BBQ Area
Child care
Fitness center
Dry cleaning
Free shuttle
Game room
Golf course
Outdoor pool
Poolside bar
Playground area
Restaurant
Shared laundry facilities
Tennis
Bay Club pictures/images are below:
Kohala Suites pictures/images are below:
Bay Club and Kohala Suites Site Map:
Maui (TBD): If you’re looking for luxury, then Maui is the island to visit. Nicknamed the “Beverly Hills Island,” Maui is home to an abundance of luxury resorts, particularly in the beautiful region of Wailea, along the South Shore, which is home to the Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria, amongst other high-end properties. We recommend booking a stay at the Hotel Wailea, a Relais & Chateaux property that offers villas for rent overlooking the water, and a sophisticated adults-only ambience. Sign up for an outrigger canoe exploration down at the beach and partake in this ancient Hawaiian activity while spotting sea turtles and manta rays in the Pacific waters.
Head over to the Maui Tropical Plantation and get a tour of the grounds for insight into the Hawaiian food scene which is quickly overtaking the rest of the nation—you can now find poke (pronounced po-kay), a diced raw fish bowl, at airports far more landlocked than JFK or LAX these days. Order a cocktail (and some delicious food) at the Mill House afterwards —the mixologist is renowned for his innovations nationwide, so you’d be remiss not to sample his version of the classic Mai Tai. Adventure-seekers can head out for some Proflyght Hawaii Paragliding in Kula, while nature-lovers should take in the calming ambience of the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.
Visit the Iao Valley State Park for some majestic, mountainous views at sunset, and be ready to take off the next morning for the legendary Road to Hana, which is known to be one of the most scenic routes in the country. Travelers and dawdlers should beware that they should block off an entire day for this winding, road trip journey. Maui’s gorgeous landscapes may have earned it the nickname the “Valley Isle,” but this Hawaiian island is equally renowned for its wonders out to sea, as well. Considered the whale watching capital of the archipelago, Maui is an ideal destination for humpback-sightings just off the coast. Sign up for a whale watching tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation to catch the humpback whales on their annual breeding vacation: They visit the Hawaiian islands in the wintertime, after having spent the warmer months up north, feeding in Alaska.
Sleeping Accommodations
Bedroom 1
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Size Bed or
2 Twin Size Beds
Bathroom Facilities
Bedroom 1
Tub
Shower
Living Area
Shower
Amenities
Happy hour
Snorkeling
Diving
Internet
Parking
Concierge
ATM
Baggage storage
Tour desk
Dry cleaning
Fax/Photocopying
Business center
24-hour security
Safe
Pools
Beach chairs/loungers
Beach umbrellas
Fitness center
On--site restaurant